Ottawa County becoming more diverse

Thursday

Jun 26, 2014 at 7:00 AM

By Andrea.Goodell@HollandSentinel.com(616) 546-4275

Racial diversity is on the rise in Ottawa County, and advocates want to make sure that racial equality follows.Each of West Michigan’s major racial minority groups is growing faster than the general population, according to the latest census numbers.Between 2010 and 2013, the number of black Ottawa County residents increased 17 percent, though the total number remains relatively low (6,943) when compared to other groups. The Asian population in Ottawa County is up 8.6 percent and 2,522 new Hispanic residents had moved to the county between 2013 and the most recent census, an 11 percent increase.By comparison, the total population in Ottawa County increased 3.4 percent to 272,701. Allegan County’s population remained relatively flat, ticking up 1 percent to 112,531. However, both counties are both still more than 90 percent white.“It is imperative to embrace the rapid change of demographics,” said Alfredo Hernandez, diversity education associate at Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance.Latin Americans United for Progress serves primarily Hispanics who face language, employment, education, cultural and legal challenges.“We’re constantly trying to make sure what we have available is what’s needed out there,” said Lena del Real, LAUP interim executive director.LAUP has renewed its focus on youth and educational programs such as Mas Adelante and Digital Connectors, she said. The nonprofit offers the county’s only year-round Spanish-language GED preparation course.“It’s that upturn in our economy. Things are getting better. People are feeling better,” del Real said.Many Hispanic migrants work in factories or as seasonal farm workers, she said. At 5 percent unemployment, Ottawa County has the second lowest rate in the state.Many have moved to the area because of the economic upturn and because diversity begets diversity, said Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony President Marvin Younger. But there’s more to it: Holland celebrates diversity, he said.“It’s a win-win for everyone,” Younger said.There will always be misunderstandings and he expects growing pains, but it’s part of the reason ACEH has monthly community workshops to talk through issues surrounding diversity and equality.Diversity does not necessarily mean racial equity. With increasingly diverse demographics comes a greater need to focus on equality, Hernandez said.“We still find dramatic racial disparities in health, incarceration, life expectancy, employment and more,” he said.— Follow this reporter on Facebook and on Twitter, @SentinelAndrea.